Handling
Tight steering. Excellent brakes.
Interior styling
Spacious for the size of the car. Large portions of glass including the large windshield and the huge panoramic sunroof. Excellent cargo space for the size of the car. Good leg and head room for four people.
Uncluttered dash.
Safety & braking
Good safety record and very strong brakes that require minimal pressure to engage.
Driving position & visibility
Good seating height, large windows provide good visibility. Some blind spots toward the back. Rear view camera would be a plus.
Materials & workmanship
Good fit and finish. Heavy doors and tailgate. Seats fold down and up securely. Seats are smooth and tight.
Ride smoothness
The worst riding I have ever experienced in a car bar none. Bouncy, rocking, rolling, nauseating ride. The car exhibits odd side to side undulations, bucking from the front and bounciness all around at low speeds on paved roads.
Reliability & durability
Ride qualities have necessitated two visits to the dealership along with one two-night stay in the first month of ownership. The tailgate latch has begun to stick where it will neither open or close completely.
Fuel economy
Have noticed as low as 10 mpg in start and stop city driving. Average for daily driving is 14 mpg. It uses premium fuel so driving this car is already very expensive.
Exterior styling
Uninspiring body style. It is neither sculpted or sufficiently square but some odd place in between as if the designers could not make up their minds.
Price or payments
Very expensive for few features. It will quickly be overtaken by other entrants who have leather, auto tailgates, fold up mirrors, bluetooth, cameras, etc. for less money than the base X3. Lose the metal key please.